Feeling beyond discouraged right now?

Question

I was diagnosed with having an anxiety and panic attack disorder. I was put on medication ( prozac) which did wonders for me. I felt like i was able to live again. It was great. I'm on a very small dose, 20 mg. I haven't had a panic attack in almost 4 months, but suddenly this morning is struck with no warning. At least i think this was a panic attack. Now I'm also worried that I'm physically sick and i'm dying. This whole week i kind of feel like I'm not taking a big enough breathe to get oxygen into my brain. I was doing my makeup before school when i started feeling this but this time it led to shaking, heart racing, sweating, heatness, nausea, and all the other symptoms i get when i used to have panic attacks. I know right now that i'm ovulating so can hormones be strong enough to disregard my medication and lower my serotonin levels? I'm just so upset right now. I don't want to go back to the place I was 4 months ago. I was SO happy last night for no reason jumping around and singing in my house. How can i go from that to what i feel this morning. I also only got 5 hours of sleep so i'm very tired. Now the panic feeling lingers inside of me and i'm terrified i will have another one. help :( I'm 16 by the way. sorry this is so long.

Answer 1

Its ok. It is all okay!





It is good that the prozac helps you! Remember that it is still helping :) like you said you are on the lowest dosage. If you are having breakthrough symptoms on the lowest dosage and have now been on it for 4 months, your brain probably just regulated to the medication. Talk to who prescribes the prozac. They should be able to increase it no problemm :)



The trouble with panic and anxiety attacks is that once you are physiologically aroused, it becomes a vicious cycle. Feeling anxious can cause a fast heart beat and nervous shakiness but also a fast heartbeat and nearvous shakiness can cause panic and anxiety. It is important to calm yourself and break this cycle. When you feel that way, do your best to take deepp breaths, sit down, relax, insert a coping skill or do something simple like enjoy a cup of tea or hot chocolate. Relaxation techniques do wonders for panic and anxiety.



Remember, panic is not logical. But you can do your best to de-escalate yourself as soon as possible. The more worked up you get, the longer the symptoms will last.



A little stress or anxiety is ok, we are humans and feel emotion. Try not to worry about the small stuff, or acknowledge that you are worried but that it is ok, it is normal



If you aren't having any other medical symptoms there is no reason to worry about dying :) tell yourself that...over and over if you have to :)



The important thing is that you are overall getting better. Being 16, yes, your body can go through a lot of changes and your period can make you more emotional which in turn can make you more panicky. Prepare mentally for your time of the month. Take care of yourself extra well the week before you are going to menstruate.



Even if you still have an episode of panic on the prozac, that is ok too. Medication helps, but it is just one part of treatmment. The other part of treatment is with your thoughts and actions. That is why relaxation techniques help too.



Talking to a friend or a counselor or anyone you trust might help you deal with your fear and help alleviate ongoing anxiety.



Just breathe....slowly. maybe start meditating. Sit down and do your makeup. Our heart rate is usually slower when we are sitting than when we are standing.

Answer 2

You know that hormone levels change, you know that any medication need altering/changing to suit and over any period of time this is so, you have been back if you have been taking this for 4 months haven't you, as it is not the answer to the problem, just a temporary support.................. BUT prozac or any other antidepressant ( selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors) you also need psychotherapy...and at 16 years old no doctor should be prescribing without psychotherapy and some of the symptoms you describe can also be a side affect of prozac, namely lack of sleeping, nausea.



Number one don't stress as that won't help, see your doctor asap, ask about other support ( non-medication) such as psychotherapy, relaxation etc.........



I am a teacher and specialise in behaviour...often working with people who have anxiety issues, often very extreme and work with people who are in jail in charging negative thinking and behaviour patterns...in a small way this is a negative thinking pattern due to a chemical imbalance the SSRI will balance the chemical but you need to change the 'thinking' you have learned that happens...and you can human brains are very clever even though they are also very lazy

Can I suggest something that could help you and it may sound stupid to you, but it does work find out some beany toys or three socks and learn to juggle.......... this develops part of your brain, it reduces stress and anxiety, it is something that many people would like to do, but find it hard so give up on or never try, 10 minutes a day and in a month you will be juggling, in that time it builds your confidence, you are concentrating on learning something new, its fun and a great party trick to show off with to any age, and you can use it as a strategy to relieve anxiety, it also develops part o your brain the cerebellum which you can read about if interested ) http://flaggedrevs.labs.wikimedia.org/wiki/Cerebellum http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cerebellum

http://www.jugglingdb.com/compendium/startjuggling/learntojuggle.html



Whatever you do, one step at a time, think positive congratulate yourself each step and if you 'fail' it is OK, you are human just don't let it control you or what you do...................

Answer 3

Call your doctor. I have read that sometimes the body can get use to certain medicines and for some reason the medicine doesn't work anymore. This could be the case with you. Try to stay calm. Call your doctor as soon as possible. I hope you feel better.

Answer 4

STOP TAKING ANTIDEPRESSENTS LIKE PROZAC OR LUVOX OR ZOLOFT! These turn people into serial killers! The worse of the two columbine killers was under antidepressents, and the virginia tech killer was also! I'm serious don't take them!